معرفی
Mick Jurynec is an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Utah, with adjunct appointments as Assistant Professor of Human Genetics and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on osteoarthritis, genetics, and drug discovery, employing human genetics, bioinformatics, and animal models.
Education:
- B.S. - Emory University
- Ph.D. - University of Utah
Research Interests: The primary focus of Dr. Jurynec's lab is understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis (OA). His team uses human genetics, model organisms (zebrafish and mice), and bioinformatics to identify genes and pathways that contribute to OA. The lab leverages unique resources like the Utah Population Database and Utah Genome Project to study familial forms of severe or early-onset OA. This approach aims to uncover therapeutic targets for disease-modifying OA drugs.
Research Trends: His recent publications span from identifying WNK2 variants in familial OA to exploring Sirt5's role in chondrocyte metabolism. His work increasingly integrates genomics with functional validation in animal models, particularly zebrafish and mice, to elucidate OA pathogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies.
Scientific Contributions: Dr. Jurynec has contributed significantly to understanding OA genetics, including discovering variants in WNK2, PIEZO1, and other genes. His work bridges human genetics with functional studies, providing insights into OA susceptibility and potential therapeutic targets.
Lab and Resources: His lab utilizes advanced genomic tools, zebrafish and mouse models, and high-throughput drug screening platforms. Collaborations across departments and access to the Utah Population Database enhance his research capabilities.
